Da Vinci Waldorf School

150 West Bonner Road

Wauconda, IL 60084

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 08, 2018

Choosing DVWS is hands-down one of the best decisions I've ever made. The nurturing, home-like setting and caring teachers made all the difference in the world when my child was in preschool and Kindergarten. The emphasis on letting children be children, encouraging play and imagination, and spending time outdoors was exactly what my child needed as preschooler (not drills, flashcards and sitting still at desks!). After evaluating over 40 preschools in my area, this was the ONLY place that offered exactly what I was looking for. The teachers are engaged, and they love the students. As he grew into a gradeschooler, the engagement and nurturing took on a different form, but never lessened. I couldn't be more thankful that he is growing up surrounded and molded by these wonderful, caring, capable, intelligent, devoted, kind, protective teachers who work together as a team to make sure he is growing into the best of himself that he can be—every day. Not just book smarts, but how to be a capable, engaged human being.
Submitted by teacher on July 26, 2017

The Waldorf curriculum is the backbone of this school. Rather than a method that can become popular or temporary, this school is based on the development of the child. Every lesson and activity is chosen based on the child's developmental readiness. This allows young children to learn through play and social interaction.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2016

Humble school. Teachers care about the students and there's a lot of parent involvement. Every teacher takes time to get to know all the parents regardless of the class.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2014

Wonderful, the teachers not only educate, they are helping my child into a loving, caring, and thoughtful young adult.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2014

Our daughter has been attending Da Vinci Waldorf for 4 years since kindergarten. She has had the most incredible experience from the very beginning. The integration of both the sciences and arts has provided our daughter the opportunity to learn and express herself through creative thinking and experience based learning. The teachers are incredible, passionate and extraordinary.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2013

The Da Vinci Waldorf School as made such a difference in my life and the lives of my children. As a mother other of a second, fourth and fifth grader at the school, the Da Vinci Waldorf school has: provided a place for my three children to thrive, express their creativity and learn how to learn; allowed them to learn without many of the pressures of a public school environment, giving them an opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them; found ways of teaching to each unique personality allowing each to learn and grow; enabled our family to enjoy more quality time after school and on the weekends without the pressure of excessive homework and test preparation; incorporated art, movement and music into all areas of learning and infused it into our daily lives extended the notion of family and commitment into their experience of education, thereby enhancing their connectedness to each other and their living world. I highly recommend the Da Vinci Waldorf School.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2013

Author Catherine Steiner-Adair states in her book, The Big Disconnect, "New research on school readiness at five years old and on how to evaluate a preschool points heavily to the quality of relationships a child has in preschool as more important than what he or she learns there academically." My children have these quality relationships with their teachers at DVWS and they thrive with the love and care. Our entire family does. Thanks for all the love and care!
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2013

My eighth grade daughter, who has grown up in this school from our early days in the parent-child classes, just returned from a "Vision Quest" outdoor adventure experience with her fellow eighth grade students. This school has kept her intellectually engaged, artistically inspired, and has taught her the value of service to our world through the varied service learning projects. Nowhere else, nowhere, will a child have such a rich experience of living and learning! From the exceptional early childhood kindergarten program, which gave her a rich base of outdoor and creative play, storytelling, and practical activities, to the eight grade school years of class plays, wonderful class trips, engaged learning, challenges where she needed challenges and encouragement when she needed support, our journey has been outstanding. She will venture into public high school a stronger, more confident young woman. After fourteen years as a public grade school teacher, this independent, non-government school won my heart. I knew it was a place striving to do what is best for children, and it has exceeded my expectation and stood the test of time with my family.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

Well-prepared for high school: This school is remarkable. My daughter attended Water's Edge, re-named Da Vinci Waldorf School, from preschool through 8th grade. She is now a sophomore at our local public high school, and she could not have been better prepared. She took so much from her Waldorf education with her into high school, including an abiding love of learning, the ability to make connections between different subjects and ideas, deep and broad curiosity about the world, and strong communication and people skills. She is an accomplished artist, writer, and actor, as well as a versatile musician who can play several instruments, sing, and write music. She can speak both German and Spanish, and is an honor student in English, math, science, and history. Da Vinci Waldorf also gave her confidence and authenticity born of real experience doing real things---building an earth oven, sewing clothing, farming, serving in a soup kitchen---that have helped build her strong character and caring heart. Highly recommend this wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

We have been thrilled with the experience our 4 children have had at Da Vinci Waldorf School. The focus at DVWS is on educating the whole child, and unlocking their own desire to learn and explore the world. There is a focus on integrating various types of learning, including outdoor play, handwork, foreign language and music, along with traditional courses like science, literature and history, that causes children to be engaged, balanced, and happy. My kids love to go to school every day, and I think that is the best testament you can give for any school. My oldest, a graduate of DVWS, is now a flourishing junior at Barrington High School and is successfully pursuing his dream of attending a top engineering school after graduation. All my children are avid readers and learners that appreciate the power and beauty of the written word, love the outdoors and are comfortable and adaptable in life. For parents that feel that their children could be better learners and happier people in a different school system, Da Vinci Waldorf School offers a compelling option.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

I am the owner of a technology company and the parent of two preschool children at Da Vinci Waldorf and I can't say enough great things about the teachers and the environment. My kids absolutely love going to school every morning. Unlike many schools, the kids spend a lot of time outside both on the huge playground and going on walks in the woods. I can see firsthand, their coordination and wills growing stronger and stronger. The teachers truly care about each and every child and it shows. There is a great rhythm to the day which allows the children to become active participants in all aspects including cleanup time. I also like that 4, 5 and 6 year old are in class together. The 6 year olds are generally the leaders in the class and set great examples for the younger kids. I can't say enough good things about this school. In a world where school is becoming more and more synonymous with trying to stuff more and more information into a kids' brain, Waldorf offers a nice balance, focusing on a child's mind, body and soul.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

We first came to parent-child and early childhood for the warm, rich, nurturing environment. We've stayed for the grades because my children get to learn in a way that is appropriate for where they're at developmentally. They have outside play at least twice a day, music and art are a permanent part of the curriculum, math and science are taught in a way that my child understands. The faculty and staff know and take a personal interest in the success and well being of my children. We just love it!
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2011

The Waldorf approach is the best way to educating children, especially in today's turbulent times. My son is getting all the essentials of a basic education -- the three Rs -- plus more. Music, drama, painting, handwork, two foreign languages, and the ability to think creatively and solve problems. In a world that's changing ever so fast, these children will be the best equipped to deal with it calmly and strongly. Water's Edge is doing a wonderful job of preparing these children to solve tomorrow's crises.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2011

Our experience at this school was a nightmare even though we believe that Waldorf education can be wonderful for so many children. We found the teachers to be awful in the early childhood and in the grades. Finding good Waldorf teachers is very difficult for this school. The programs that they offer are minimal compared to others in the area and their tuition is high.